![]() | The goal of this blog is to encourage Planning and Preparation for emergencies or changes in resources, the environment or economy. Of all the "emergencies" I've experienced, I never needed to leave my house? Staying put was the best place to be. Of all the other things that "could" happen, staying put (Shelter-In-Place) will, most likely, be the best option than evacuating ("bugging out"). So, when I see some of the extreme evacuation preparations on TV or read the plans for putting so much time and money in preparing to leave "just in case", I think just how likely is that going to happen and could the efforts be better spent on surviving where they are. |
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Sheltering in place is [hopefully] a short-term solution to address a biological, chemical, nuclear, radiological or civil unrest threat. The objective is to protect those of us inside, from the bad stuff outside. Pre-planning should stock the "shelter" with water, food and other supplies for, at least, a 2-week stay without venturing outside. Additional tips, here, will help take the necessary actions to effectively shelter in place.
Learn how to evaluate When Bugging Out Is not an Option. Stay where you are (Shelter In Place) at home, or at work, and be able to Survive Where You Are for a reasonable period of time without any outside assistance. An Emergency Kit will be just as important when Sheltering In Place as it would be if evacuating. Fortifying your residence (or where you are) at the time of an emergency, my require blocking and covering windows and doors for protection against bad weather or intruders. This should be considered and planned long before it is necessary. Tips For Sheltering In Place Build a [Hidden] Safe Room Build a Safe Room or Survival Bunker Additional Information to Consider During a Nuclear Event |
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This action is something you should have practiced as part of your planning process. You may, or may not, have a choice to evacuate depending on the circumstances and you may, or may not have the option to take your pet(s) or anything else you had intended to take. If you do have time and a choice, review the contents of your Emergency Kit and modify if needed before leaving. Quickly and efficiently evacuate your home, or work, and travel to a predetermined destination . . . know where you will go, what you will take and how you will get there. Usually, it is best to leave under the cover of darkness. Dark clothes (and dark vehicles) will be beneficial.
Pre-Evacuation Checklist: If it becomes necessary to Bug-Out during an emergency or prepare for a carefree vacation and homecoming, what is done to prepare the home or business before leaving, can be as important as what is done while away. Here's a checklist to consider for planning before leaving home for extended periods of time. Additionally, it's good to have a (Grab-n-Go) list of items that need to take with you. This list should identify where they are located (to avoid hunting) in the house. Sample List Templates |
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If you bug out too soon, you may discover the emergency was not really as bad as first thought, wasting time and resources. But if bugging out too late, you could find yourself in a worse position than you were in had you stayed.
Staying Tuned to the News is staying informed of the situation to make an educated decision. The acronym R.E.D.O.U.T. may give some idea of when it's time to implement your bug out plan. Any one or combination may send you packin'.
Environment no longer safe - a flood, wild-fire, hurricane, chemical spill, mass rioting/looting, etc. making the area unsafe to stay in Destination is safer than where you are Overwhelming force against you - potentially dangerous and determined groups that are a real safety threat to you or your family Unprepared for the situation - your preparations do not address this kind of event Threat is increasing - the danger is growing in size or strength or getting, uncomfortably, closer |
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Depending on the emergency, you may have only minutes to gather supplies and leave the comfort and security of home. Have an Evacuation Checklist ready to follow to quickly grab what is needed.
Pre-Evacuation Checklist FEMA-Forced Evacuations and Restrictions |
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When Traffic Grinds to a Halt, What Will You Drive? Generally, every vehicle should be in good mechanical condition, fueled-up, contain its own bug-out bag, printed map and compass (don't rely on GPS working) and ready for bugging out because we never know where we will be when a "get outta Dodge" situation happens. Here are a few things to consider when selecting and preparing a vehicle.
Alternative Evacuation Methods: A large percentage of the population don't have access to a personal vehicle, use public transportation or are unable to drive. Consider these options for evacuating. |
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. . . walk silently in a single file (if there are multiple people in your party) for the appearance of a single person from the front or rear of the column to help reduce attention to the exodus. Reference: Escape and Evade
Dangerous Hiking Mistakes Most People Make: When planning a hike, keep in mind to have a solution for the following . . . even highly experienced mountain packers can get into trouble – in a heartbeat.
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The purpose of a bug out location is to get away from the chaos and potential danger a SHTF situation can generate. Here are some things to consider when choosing a bug out location.
NOTE: Consider that the terrain to the selected bugout location may prevent or delay First Responders in an emergency. Generally, insurance companies will not insure properties without an official/government 911 address so structures may not be eligible to be covered by [home owner] insurance. Additionally, properties/structures that are not occupied for long periods of time may be considered "vacation" properties and may carry higher insurance premiums if they are eligible to be insured. If you are serious about a total "off-grid" location, consider these and other potential risks. |